Rate My Professor Nicole Masters

Associate Professor Nicole Masters is the Associate Dean (Learning and Teaching) and an Associate Professor in Bioscience in the School of Health at the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC). She completed her PhD at UniSC, where her research investigated various novel approaches and methods for detecting major contamination sources commonly associated with microbial water pollution. Masters also holds a BSc (Hons) and a Graduate Certificate in Professional Learning from UniSC. Her career at UniSC has included progression from associate lecturer in bioscience to her current senior leadership positions. She is a member of the Centre for Bioinnovation and serves as Deputy Chairperson of the Education Committee. Masters teaches introductory bioscience and cell biology, contributing to the preparation of future health professionals.

Masters' research specializations include water microbiology, environmental microbiology, and biomedical science communication. She has produced numerous peer-reviewed publications on microbial contamination, pathogen virulence, and health professional education. Key works include 'The implementation of interprofessional education: a scoping review' (Bogossian et al., 2023, Focus on Health Professional Education); 'Invasion and translocation of uropathogenic Escherichia coli across an in vitro intestinal barrier model' (Owrangi et al., 2018, Pathogens); 'Marker genes of fecal indicator bacteria and potential pathogens in waters monitored for recreational use' (Ahmed et al., 2019, Water Research); 'Assessing the population dynamics of Escherichia coli in a wastewater reclamation scheme' (Masters et al., 2017); 'Recommendations for the design of interprofessional education within health professional preparation programs' (Shakhovskoy et al., 2022); 'Commonality of adherent-invasive Escherichia coli isolated from patients with inflammatory bowel disease' (Astley et al., 2021); and 'Unpacking the 'Movement of Substances' Core Concept of Physiology' (Brown et al., 2023, Advances in Physiology Education). These contributions have advanced understanding of fecal indicator bacteria, uropathogenic strains, and effective interprofessional training. For her excellence in teaching, Masters received a Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning in the 2024 Australian Awards for University Teaching, shared with Victoria Hinkley, recognizing innovative bioscience education practices. Earlier, as an associate lecturer, she was awarded the Vice-Chancellor and President's Award for Excellence for commitment to student success.